It will only target those who have long-term debts and have received at least four demands for payment and will ensure that at least £5,000 is left in total across all debtor's accounts, including savings accounts, after the unpaid tax is seized.

HMRC will freeze the amount owed in accounts for 14 days to allow time for a debtor to pay before the money is seized.

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has called on HMRC to give more concrete assurances about the right to appeal against any seizure.

But the ACCA accountancy body, which after the Budget described the plans as "seriously draconian", now calls them "less fearsome than first thought" after more detail was published.

"On paper, the safeguards look relatively robust, and the reality is it is unlikely that anyone will be left penniless," said Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at the ACCA..

The plans are now going through a consultation process. If approved by Parliament, they will take effect in 2015-16.

Pensions

The Treasury committee also called for pensions and savings to be taxed in the same way.

Image caption
The Budget included major changes in the way people save

The most eye-catching measure in Mr Osborne's Budget was a plan that effectively abolishes the requirement for some people to buy an annuity - a retirement income for life.

From next year millions of people reaching retirement age will be able to spend their pension pot in any way they want, including cashing in their pension savings in one, taxed, lump sum. Temporary rules are in place in the meantime.

The committee said that all of the witnesses it heard from welcomed the "greater flexibility and choice" that the reforms proposed.

However, it said the guidance that was being promised ahead of retirement should be clear and at least offer an opportunity of face-to-face help.

The changes are likely to lead to the creation of a variety of new financial products for retirees, and the committee said these must be sold responsibly.

"Following the financial crisis, and the mis-selling scandals, the reputation of the industry is under scrutiny," said Andrew Tyrie, who chairs the committee.

He added that it would be a "great prize" were the tax treatment of pensions and savings treated in the same way.

The chancellor announced an extension to the amount that could be saved in an tax-free Individual Savings Account (Isa) from 1 July 2014 to up to £15,000 either as cash or shares.